4WD Electrical

It's almost impossible to cover everything on electrical due to the size of the global car park. The globe is littered with different makes and models ranging from Jeep Willy's with Carburetors all the way through to the new Homogeneous V8 Mercedes that runs a petrol engine on a diesel cycle (NO Spark plug). So we will focus on the more current models, say within the last 10 years and some of the more common issues. For anyone wanting more detailed information you can always have a look at our latest publication "Recreational Power Guide - Batteries & Charging" which is available in Printed A4 or EBook PDF formats (See the top right side of the page) OR put your question on the chat board..

Modern Charging Fast Facts

ALL modern Common Rail Diesels and some petrol's use a charging system whereby the alternators output is controlled electronically by the vehicles ECU, the Body control module or a separate module.

There are many stages of charge, all designed for specific events i.e. reduced output to reduce load and therefore emissions

ALL vehicle accessories must be chassis earthed so that the system can detect the load and adjust the alternator output. So if you have a single battery system and you fit a cigarette socket then you should earth this to the chassis ground. If however you fit a second battery and run a fridge, then the fridge earth should come back to the second battery.

Loads are measured via an inductive pickup on the negative side of the start battery system.

FUEL SYstem Stuff

Modern Common Rail Diesel Engines PLEASE OBSERVE EXTREME CAUTION AROUND MODERN COMMON RAIL DIESELS. THE INJECTORS CAN BE AS HIGH AS 110V DC AND THE INJECTION SYSTEM HAS EXTREMELY HIGH FUEL PRESSURES OF 20,000 PSI OR MORE. SO NEVER CRACK INJECTORS TO BLEED AND ONLY SERVICE BY SUITABLY QUALIFIED PEOPLE.

Petrol or Diesel, there is a heck of a lot to know about so here are some hints and tips to get you started

Common Rail Fast Facts

Each Injector is programmed to the ECU. You can replace an injector in an emergency however the vehicle will not run at its optimum level until the new injector is calibrated to the vehicles computer. (Toyota Systems especially)

ANY water in a Common Rail Diesel system will cause massive issues. You see, Diesel is a fluid that lubricates as it flows across metal. Water on the other hand does not! When you apply 30,000 PSI to water it can become very destructive. I believe you only need 10,000 PSI to make water cut concrete. Refer to the section on water traps below for more details on how to prevent water damage.

Never pull an injector wire of a Common Rail Diesel while the engine is running. Some models have a Piezo Crystal internally that operates the injector. A voltage is applied to the crystal, which responds and causes the injector to open. A voltage is then applied to CLOSE the injector. So if you happen to pull a wire of an injector while the engine is running you may just cause the injector to stay open...Which can Hydraulic lock the engine.

Pre Filters & Water trapsIf you are heading to regional and remote areas (or anywhere humid) then the issue of fuel quality comes into play. This is particularly important for the modern Diesels as contaminants such as water can be seriously detrimental to the fuel system. The further North you go, the higher the humidity becomes and the higher the risk of your fuel becoming your enemy. Here are a few simple things to know or do:

Fit a Water Trap Pre-filter to you vehicle to increase the level of protection. I like the Stanadyne Fuel Manager kits offered by Direction Plus because the kits are model specific and come will all the brackets etc. www.commercialdieselparts.com.au

Always use reliable sources for fuel supply and where possible take your own or buy it locally (at home) and transport it ahead to drop off points. Sounds crazy but its $7000 worth of pump and Injectors (on average) if you get water through the system....NO WARRANTY. So a pre-filter and some fuel checks are a small price to pay for piece of mind.

Sludge, Bacteria and FungiThese can all grow in the fuel system, storage tanks, servo tanks or Jerry cans. Essentially, Diesel is a food source for some really nasty Bacteria and Fungi which feed veraciously once in your system. I have personally witnessed Diesel that resembled Molasses as a result of Bacteria attack. There are plenty of products on the market but I have always used and have heard plenty of others us PRO-MA DT5 www.promaperformance.com.au

Increasing Your RangeClever ways to increase your range using traditional and state of the art techniques

Install long range tanks

Mount Jerry Can holders so that you can safely carry more fuel

Keep your vehicle well maintained and in good mechanical condition

Run the maximum tyre pressures for the conditions (why run tyres at 18 PSI on the beach when they are probably fine at 21 PSI)

You can install advanced fuel management systems (these can be costly)

Install a BIOTECHNIX unit. These save between 6 - 14% in fuel or your money back!! These work, I have run these on my vehicles and was amazed at the results. My Hilux went from 680 Klm range a tank to 730 Klm. You can check them out at www.biotechnixdiesel.com.au

Tyres

Which Type, What application, What Tyre Size, What Tyre Diameter, What Tread Pattern, What do all these numbers on the side mean, How much Tyre Pressure....Cricky!

Tyre Numbers and what they mean

295 85 / R15 Z

The 295 or the first section of numbers relates to the width of the tyre

The 85 or the second set of numbers is a direct % of side wall height when compared with the width - So this tyre is 85% of 295 which would be 236 high

The R15 is the radius of the tyre - So what size rim it fits in Inches. In this case a 15 Inch rim

The final Letter relates to the speed rating of the tyre

Trip Planning

These are some important things to consider BEFORE you set out on your big trip: - Fuel Management Plan - remember that 4WD can use significantly more fuel than on road- Water Management - Do I have enough or how can I get more (don't forget to boil any creek water before drinking & take sterilizing tablets) - Maps and Local knowledge - The more you know about the journey the better - Suspension - Do I have enough clearance and do I know my entry and exit angles- Tyres - Sand, Mud, Dirt or all of the above, Do I have enough spares and can I repair any problems- Communications - How will I call for help if needed, who knows my movements, Can I contact a local ranger or property? - Recovery Equipment - Do i have the right equipment and do I know how to use it - Emergencies - First aid, snake or spider bite, extreme weather - What would happen and how would you survive?- Vehicle - mechanical condition, carrying capacity and storage, bull bars, skid & bash plates, - Food - 3 meals a day, non perishable items, - Cold Storage - this could be an Esky (Chilli Bin for the New Zealanders) with ice (or Dry ice) or a fridge system- Cooking - Utensils, pots and pans, heating equipment, firewood, washing up & food storage - Rubbish removal - Leave it better than you found it! Keep Australia Beutiful- Knowledge - Don't take on anything you are not capable of, start with small trips to test your vehicle and your skills

WHAT TO TAKE

Your location will certainly dictate a lot about what you take however here is a list of things you may want to consider taking with youFirst Aid Kit Maps Any Permits that you may require (some parks require you to display permits on Vehicle & Tent)Satallite Phone - Especially if you are doing trips where you will be in very remote locations i.e. Simpson Dessert, Canning Stock RouteRecovery Equipment (Winch, Snatch Straps, Tree Protector, Rated Shackles, Leather Gloves, stump jump jack)Shovel (I take a long handle post hole shovel which is great for sand recovery)Tyre Puncture Repair Kit Tyre Pump & Tyre Pressure GaugeMaps or Navigation EquipmentRadio - UHF preferably (consider portable units as well if you have kids who like to go exploring) Water and don't forget the sterilisation tablets Spare Tyre - I suggest two if you are going into remote areas or areas with lots of sticksTools (put together a basic break down kit - LED test light, Screw drivers, socket set, spanners, some wire, roll of cloth tape, roll of duct tape, zip ties etc)Pepper - This is great for stopping any small cooling system leaks, just poor it into the radiator if a leak appears (only good for small leaks) Fuel - Sufficient for the trip. Have a fuel management planFirewood if you are going into a national park - don't forget the kindling and fire starters. Don't underestimate how much you will need, Try a fire at home one night Food & Drinks - Don't take glass if you are going on the beach Kitchen gear - Put yourself a tub together with all your utensils, pots & Pans, cloths, matches, bin bags, cups, organic dish washing liquid etc) Toileting - This can be as simple as toilet paper or you may need to take a portable toilet and chemicals (check with National Parks first) Lighting - Torches, campsite lighting etc Repellent - Some places can be thick with insects, Marsh Flies, Midgee's or Mosquitoes so make sure its a good brandSun protection - Never to be underestimated (hats, sunscreen lotions Clothing - Remember that in the deserts and outback areas it can get Extremely cold at night so don't forget warm clothing if you are going into these areasSleeping bags or bedding Oh, and don't forget your Toothbrush